At a luncheon in Atlanta on Friday, December 12, the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation announced that five state-level awards for individuals and organizations in Macon-Bibb County. Awards were presented to the Austin Center for Development, Historic Macon Foundation, Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Foundation, and Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert.
Mayor Robert A.B. Reichert
Elected Official of the Year
Honors a local, state, or federal elected official that has made a strong commitment to the community environment by supporting litter prevention, waste reduction, recycling, community greening and/or local affiliate activities.
Austin Center for Development
1st Place, Litter Prevention
Recognizes efforts of any group to change attitudes and behaviors of litter in your community. Efforts may include litter cleanups, enforcement of litter/illegal dumping laws, placing garbage cans in needed areas, signage, storm drain stenciling, classroom education and presentations to civic/community groups.
Historic Macon Foundation
2nd Place, Community Improvement
Recognizes efforts of any group to improve, beautify, and preserve the quality of life in their community. Efforts may include outdoor environmental education, enhancement of public areas, community gardens, installing/maintaining bike paths and pedestrian walkways, protecting historical town centers, and working with public park associations.
Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful
1st Place, Affiliate of the Year
Honors our very own and recognizes Affiliates on their comprehensive work in litter prevention, community improvement, waste reduction, and how they sustainably leverage their program to improve the quality of life in their communities.
2nd Place, Litter Prevention
Recognizes efforts of any group to change attitudes and behaviors of litter in your community. Efforts may include litter cleanups, enforcement of litter/illegal dumping laws, placing garbage cans in needed areas, signage, storm drain stenciling, classroom education and presentations to civic/community groups.
“This is so exciting for Macon-Bibb to be recognized for its efforts to clean up our community and to educate more people on why it’s so important,” says Keep Macon-Bibb Beautiful Executive Director Dr. Pam Carswell. “We’ve made a significant outreach into our schools to educate our children about the importance of having a clean neighborhood and recycling. If we can get them on board with a cleaner, greener Macon-Bibb, we can make an impact for years to come.”
“Historic Macon Foundation is honored to be recognized by in the “Community Improvement” category,” says Executive Director Ethiel Garlington. “We take great pride in our 50 years of service to the community and look forward to building on our success with our Downtown Loft project and continued work in Beall’s Hill. As with all accolades, this award belongs to thousands of individuals who support our work that keeps our community beautiful.”
“These are recognitions – not of a specific person or organization – but of the combined effort of our entire community to cleaning up and improving Macon-Bibb,” says Mayor Reichert. “It takes each of us working in our neighborhoods, along our streets, and at our gateways to instill a sense of pride in our community, and I want to congratulate and thank everyone for working together to make that happen.”
About the Keep Georgia Beautiful Awards Program
The Awards Program honors those whose ongoing efforts in community improvement, waste reduction, and/or litter prevention exemplify leadership in protecting Georgia’s environment. The Awards Program is based on the belief that positive reinforcement of hardworking and deserving individuals advances KGB’s mission and is a key way to create sustainable communities. 